Jemez Mountain Regional Fire Protection Project

• Project value$7.9 million grant from NM Legislature; remainder of costs (up to $18 million) split by Los Alamos County and Pajarito Recreation
• Project schedulePHASE 1: April thru Nov. 2025; PHASE 2: April thru Nov. 2026
• Contractor namePH 1: DUB-L-EE, LLC and File Construction, LLC; PH 2: To be determined

• A connection between Los Alamos County’s water supply system and the water storage tank at Pajarito is necessary for fire protection to enable the delivery of water to the 10-million gallon storage reservoir on top of Pajarito Mountain. This full reservoir of water will benefit not only Pajarito but also surrounding National Forest Service (NFS) and non-NFS lands.

• An added benefit of ensuring sufficient water levels in the reservoir is the capability to make snow. Winter snowpack can potentially reduce wildfire risk later in the year as it keeps vegetation damp and can help to delay the onset of dry conditions that fuel wildfires. Additionally, keeping the reservoir filled will allow a reliable opening schedule for the ski area and enhance its long-term operational viability as a recreational amenity and economic driver for the Jemez Mountain Region.

• A new domestic water supply will serve existing Pajarito Mountain facilities and Camp May Park.

• Enhanced underground electrical service will improve reliability at Camp May Park and Pajarito Mountain facilities, as well as protect the area from fires due to tree fall.

• Pipeline and water tank construction will impact the public for the duration of this project. See map below and DPU's Cone Zone report for up-to-date details. 

• Camp May Road, trails accessible via the road, and Camp May will be closed Monday through Thursday from April 21 through December 1, 2025.

• Camp May recreational area will be open for first-come, first-served camping and recreation from noon on Fridays through noon on Sundays. Campers must extinguish campfires and pack up belongings before leaving. The entrance/exit to Camp May will be closed and locked each Sunday to accommodate construction during the week.

 

Project press release

Contact details

Location

West Road and Camp May Road, Los Alamos, NM 87544  View Map